Helping children build emotional regulation, confidence and connection through play.
‘Therapeutic play allows children the opportunity to express themselves fully and at their own pace with the assurance that they will be understood and accepted.’
- Gary Landreth & Sue Bratton
Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
NDIS Capacity Building Supports - Improved Daily Living
Play is a child’s natural language — and therapy through play gives children a voice.
Play is a child’s natural language.
Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) helps children express emotions, work through challenges and build emotional regulation through play.
In CCPT, children lead the play while the therapist supports and reflects their experiences. This creates a safe space where children can process feelings, develop confidence and strengthen emotional skills.
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Children often communicate through toys, movement and imagination rather than words. Through play, they show what they are feeling, thinking and experiencing.
The relationship with the therapist becomes a secure base that helps children grow emotionally, socially and developmentally.
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CCPT supports children aged 2–12 and may be funded through NDIS Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living.
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Common Challenges Play Therapy Can Help With
Emotional Regulation
• Big emotions and meltdowns
• Difficulty expressing feelings
• Low confidence or self-esteem
• Trouble coping with change or stress
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Behavioural Challenges
• Aggression or frequent outbursts
• Oppositional behaviour
• Difficulty following routines or instructions
• Challenging behaviour at home or school
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Social Difficulties
• Difficulty making or keeping friends
• Social communication challenges
• Separation anxiety or school transitions
• Struggles joining in play with others
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Psychological Concerns
• Anxiety or worry
• Trauma or difficult experiences
• Grief and loss
• Withdrawn or avoidant behaviour
Developmental Needs
• Autism (ASD)
• ADHD
• Developmental delay
• Learning or school frustration
• Difficulty engaging in other therapy approaches
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How Play Therapy Helps Children
​Through play therapy children learn to:
• Understand and manage big emotions
• Build confidence and self-worth
• Improve communication and social skills
• Develop emotional regulation
• Strengthen problem-solving skills
• Reduce challenging behaviours
• Feel safer and more understood
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NDIS Funding May Be Available
Child-Centred Play Therapy can support your child’s goals around emotional regulation, behaviour, social skills and communication.
If your child has an NDIS plan, sessions may be funded under Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living.
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